Train services have returned to the Werribee Line and the Altona Loop, following a two-week construction blitz of works to remove two level crossings in Newport that the Victorian Government described as “dangerous”.
Maddox Road has also reopened to traffic, and passenger services are now running on new elevated rail bridges over the road.
Until its removal later this year, the level crossing at Maddox Road will remain in operation for a limited number of freight services each day.
Previously, in the morning peak, the boom gates were down for about 50 minutes as up to 48 trains passed through the crossing.
In the coming months, construction will completed on the freight rail bridge over Maddox Road. This will permanently separate trains from road users and make Newport boom gate free.
While train services were stopped during construction, a new cycling and pedestrian bridge was lifted into place over Champion Road, where the level crossing was closed permanently in April.
Motorists can now use the new Akuna Drive link road to travel safely through the area and connect to Maddox Road.
Works will begin on a pedestrian and cycle path along the Railway Parade, allowing safe access to the new bridge on Champion Road.
The project also involves the construction of a 400-metre path along the rail line, between Ross Road and Maddox Road. This path provides safe a off-road connection from Newport Station to Altona North.
Meanwhile the Werribee Line is also set to benefit from two extra trains per hour in the mornings and afternoons, with the additional services being rolled out in the coming months.
